MCC-UE 1406 Hacker Culture & Politics

Mon/Wed 11:00–12:15 / WAVE 367

This course focuses on computer hackers, examining the ethics and technical practices of hacking in particular and more broadly how hackers and hacking have transformed the politics of computing and the Internet globally. We also will examine ways in which hackers challenge or reinforce definitions of political action. We will examine how hacker values are realized and constituted by different legal, technical, and ethical activities of computer hacking – for example, free software production, cyberactivism and hacktivism, cryptography, state-sponsored hacking, and the mischievous pranks of the hacker underground. We will pay close attention to how ethical principles are variably represented and thought of by hackers, journalists, and academics and we will use the example of hacking to address various topics on law, order, and politics on the Internet like free speech and censorship, privacy, security and surveillance, and intellectual property.

Assignments Assignments for this class will reflect a hackerly approach in two ways: students are expected to produce a “hacking project” over the course of the semester (55%) and a final presentation about the subject of their project and research. The content of the project must be about something pertinent to hacking that you want to learn more about (either one of the main topics of the course or another related subject or domain, with analysis that will draw on concepts from class readings and lectures; we will discuss). The form of the project must be built with software with which you have no prior experience: start from scratch, tinker, try things, get the system to do what you need it to. Depending on what you select, this will involve find and configuring open source software, learning new online platforms, and producing content in novel ways – and adopting a hacker’s DIY approach to your tools. This will be discussed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Presentations are also a huge part of contemporary hacker culture, and you will be expected to deliver an intensively polished, rehearsed, 4–5 minute presentation on your research project at the end of the semester. (A rubric will be provided.)

Hacking project: 55%
Final presentation: 30%
Class participation: 15%

Readings All readings will be online, as PDFs or links – plus online video of presentations and documentaries – along with the following books, available at the NYU Bookstore or the other usual places:

General Course and School Policies

Grading Rubric
A = Excellent / This work is comprehensive and detailed, integrating themes and concepts from discussions and readings with original research. Writing is clear, analytical and organized. Arguments offer specific examples and concisely evaluate evidence. Students who earn this grade are prepared for class, synthesize course materials and contribute insightfully.
B = Good / This work is complete and accurate, offering insights at general level of understanding. Writing is clear, uses examples properly and tends toward broad analysis. Classroom participation is consistent and thoughtful.
C = Average / This work is correct but is largely descriptive, lacking analysis. Writing is vague and at times tangential. Arguments are unorganized, without specific examples or analysis. Classroom participation is inarticulate.
D = Unsatisfactory / This work is incomplete, and evidences little understanding of the readings or discussions. Arguments demonstrate inattention to detail, misunderstand course material and overlook significant themes. Classroom participation is spotty, unprepared and off topic.
F = Failed / This grade indicates a failure to participate.

Grade Appeals If you want to appeal a grade, send a short note explaining your concerns to me within a week of receiving your grade. (Grades that stand longer than a week will be taken as correct, and appeals will not be considered.) We will set up a meeting to review the grading, if necessary.

Academic Integrity The Steinhardt School’s Statement on Academic Integrity governs all student work in this course. “Academic integrity,” it says, “is the guiding principle for all that you do; from taking exams, making oral presentations to writing term papers. It requires that you recognize and acknowledge information derived from others, and take credit only for ideas and work that are yours.” Please familiarize yourself with the details of the statement.

Students with Special Needs Students with special needs, such as physical and/or learning disabilities, should register with the Moses Center and follow their guidelines for informing the course instructors who will arrange “reasonable accommodations” as requested.

Religious Observance In accordance with NYU’s Policy on Religious Holidays students who observe religious holidays that may interfere with the class schedule should inform course instructors well in advance of anticipated absences to ensure that appropriate arrangements are made for the completion of course work.

Writing Center Students are encouraged to make use of NYU’s Writing Center.